From today, January 27, 2021, foreign nationals in Canada with an expired or expiring PGWP will have a one-time opportunity to apply for another open work permit with a duration of 18 months, according to the previous announcement from the Government of Canada . Applications will be accepted until July 27, 2021.

To be eligible for this open work permit, applicants must meet the following 5 requirements:

1. 1. Their post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
      • expired on or after January 30, 2020, or
      • will expire within 4 months from the date you apply for this open work permit.
   2. They were in Canada as of January 27, 2021, when the public policy took effect, and have stayed in Canada since then.
   3. They either
      • have a temporary resident status (this could be from having a valid PGWP, visitor record, or another permit that allows them to stay in Canada), or
      • lost their temporary resident status, but they have already applied to restore it, or
      • lost their temporary resident status, but they will apply to restore it at the same time as applying for this open work permit
   4. They include in the application that they’re applying for an open work permit under this public policy.
   5. They have a valid passport.

The work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date of approval or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. For example, if their passport is valid for 6 months, then they will be issued an open work permit for 6 months.